City officials are gathering input on a proposal for a dog park and training facility at the Patsy T. Mink Central Oahu Regional Park in Waipio.

The city Department of Parks and Recreation is in preliminary stages of determining the scope, size and best location for such a project at the 269-acre regional park, said Jeanne Ishikawa, the department’s deputy director. The department hosted two “talk story” sessions on the idea earlier this month.

Ishikawa said the cost and a timeline for the project have not been determined. She said the department plans to hold more community meetings once feedback from the previous forums is reviewed.

“Everyone has good ideas and varied ideas,” Ishikawa said. “It’s very preliminary. Nothing is set. I think it’s (meetings) a good start to a long process.”

At a meeting held Monday at the regional park, also known as CORP, with about 20 people in attendance, several dog owners expressed a need for a dog park and training facility in the area.

“It’s a concept that’s started a long time ago,” said Ted Ketcham, president of the Leeward Training Club of Hawaii, a dog obedience training nonprofit with about 250 regular members. “At a very minimalist point of view, it could be an open field. But there’s an opportunity to do something big. There’s the need.”

City Councilman Ron Menor agreed the project is needed in the community. The Council included $100,000 in last fiscal year’s capital-improvements budget for planning and design.

Ishikawa said the city is eyeing an open area at the back of the park near Paiwa Street, although no final decision has been made. Several dog owners said a better location would be at the front of the park along Kamehameha Highway where there is access to existing parking and restrooms. They added that more visibility could spur interest in dog activities. Other suggestions included building a multipurpose field that would allow dogs.

Ketcham said at least six acres would be ideal for a dog park and training area, and that the project could be done in phases. He added that the project should also accommodate dog sports, shows and exhibitions.

Dick Poirier, chairman of the Mililani/Waipio/Melemanu Neighborhood Board and a member of the CORP advisory committee, said the project is long overdue.

“Now they’re going through the difficult part of what will it be, where will it be, how much will it cost … and whether it’s doable,” said Poirier, who attended Monday’s meeting. “These are not easy things to do, but I’m encouraged.”